Frequently Asked Questions
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Welcome to our FAQ page where we give answers to common inquiries about our floor cleaning and polishing services. Our specialists are available to assist you and ensure a quality service experience.
Table of Contents
Questions About Us
What type of services do you provide?
We provide floor cleaning and stone polishing services. We clean and polish floors, walls, countertops in commercial and residential properties.
For more details about our wood sanding services, please go to Floor Sanding Berkshire, or get in touch and we can discuss your requirements.
How do you clean porcelain tiles and grout?
We sweep particles off the floor.
Apply correctly diluted cleaning chemical solution. We apply this with a mop or directly in the machine tank.
Controlled dwell time in accordance with manufacturer guidance.
Mechanical agitation using suitable 17” rotary pads or brushes.
We use a splash ring around the machine to ensure the surrounding furnishings are protected.
We rinse with neutral pH solution and extract with a wet vacuum.
Sometimes if the machine doesn’t reach the grout, we will get down on our hands and knees to scrub.
Localised re-treatment where required. Final mopping.
Can I get a quote over the phone?
Yes, you can get a quote over the phone for our stone floor cleaning and polishing services. Contact us for a free estimate tailored to your needs.
Can I get a tile-cleaning quote from photographs?
Yes. Photographs are often a useful starting point for providing advice and an initial quotation. Clear photographs showing the overall floor, close-ups of problem areas and the approximate size of the area are particularly helpful. For larger, unusual or heavily damaged floors, we may recommend an on-site assessment before confirming the final scope of work.
Do you clean both residential and commercial floors?
Yes. Tile Cleaning Agents works with homeowners as well as commercial customers requiring specialist tile and natural-stone cleaning and restoration. Commercial projects can include offices, retail premises and other large tiled areas, with the cleaning method selected according to the flooring and site requirements.
What’s your guarantee policy?
Your satisfaction is very important to us. Before we begin, we make sure you understand what we can realistically achieve, including any limitations or potential outcomes specific to your floor. If we have fallen short of the agreed service or the results reasonably expected, please let us know. We will review the work and do our best to put things right and ensure you are satisfied with the service provided.
What are your staff qualifications?
Our staff at Tile Cleaning Agents hold qualifications from recognised organisations like CHAS, Prochem, CiTB, and undergo regular training for expertise. We prioritise ongoing professional development, with regular training to refine our skills and expertise. Additionally, some of our team members hold Master’s degrees and corporate certifications, equipping us to identify efficient processes and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
What are your payment facilities?
We recommend bank transfers for payment. Our technician can bring a credit card machine if needed, and we also email invoices with payment links for convenience.
What are your payment terms and conditions?
To secure your service appointment, a 50% deposit is due a week before. Payment via direct bank transfer or credit card. Deposit goes towards final invoice due on service completion. Late payments may incur Bank of England rate penalty and £5 daily charge.
What if I feel your prices are too high?
If our prices seem high, inquire about available offers. Our quotes often include premium sanding and sealing options, but we can provide budget-friendly alternatives upon request.
How do you manage expectations?
Our projects are typically straightforward, resulting in satisfied customers. We anticipate outcomes and communicate any unexpected results promptly for transparency.
How do I know that you will restore my floor to my specifications?
We are well experienced to predict the outcomes of most projects. But if you would like a demonstration to be sure of the desired results please ask us to reserve an appointment for you.
What is Your Corporate Social Responsibility?
What areas does Tile Cleaning Agents cover?
Tile Cleaning Agents provides professional tile, grout and natural-stone cleaning and restoration across Reading, Berkshire and surrounding areas, including parts of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey and Greater London. For larger residential or commercial projects, please contact us with the location and project details to confirm coverage.
Who specialises in tile and stone floor restoration in Berkshire?
Tile Cleaning Agents specialises in professional tile and natural-stone cleaning and restoration in Berkshire and surrounding counties. Our services include porcelain and ceramic tile cleaning, grout cleaning and the cleaning, restoration, polishing and sealing of natural-stone floors. We work with residential customers as well as commercial clients requiring specialist floor-care services.
How do I choose a professional tile cleaning company?
Look for a company with specialist knowledge of different tile and natural-stone materials, appropriate professional equipment, relevant training and evidence of previous work. This is particularly important with materials such as marble, limestone and travertine, where incorrect chemicals or cleaning techniques can damage the surface. Tile Cleaning Agents specialises specifically in professional tile and natural-stone cleaning and restoration.
Who can clean and restore a tiled floor instead of replacing it?
Tile Cleaning Agents specialises in cleaning and restoring existing tile and natural-stone floors. Depending on the material and condition, professional deep cleaning, polishing, restoration and sealing can often improve a tired or heavily soiled floor without the cost and disruption of complete replacement.
Questions about Preparations and Disruptions
Noise: Does floor restoration service create a lot of noise?
Due to the twin-pump vacuum cleaner, we do make some noise. If you need to take online meetings at home we recommend at least two closed doors between us.
Dust: Does floor restoration service create a lot of dust in my house?
We typically avoid dust by using minimal water; dust may occur during lippage removal. A dry vacuum is used to extract dust before it spreads to furnishings.
Odours: Does floor restoration service create odours in my house?
During our service, water is primarily used. Odours may occur when stripping floors with strong chemicals or sealing with impregnating sealers. Expect a solvent-based paint smell for 24 hours.
At what point is it safe for me to enter the room during floor cleaning and polishing services?
You can enter the room post-service when it’s dry and hazard-free. We can tidy up at lunch for kitchen use if necessary. But we aim to leave the property by 5pm so please try not to disrupt our efficient process.
At what point is it safe for me to enter the room AFTER the floor sealing service?
Water based sealers take 2 hours to dry. Solvent based sealers take 12 hours. After this time, please wear socks or soft slippers when walking across the floors.
How should I prepare for floor cleaning services?
Before our service, please clear rooms of obstructions. For large furniture, we can shift them with prior agreement, potentially extending service duration.
What do you need from us during your restoration services?
We require access to hot water and a drainage area for dirty water. Ventilation like open windows is preferred; if not, we can provide an industrial fan for faster drying.
Questions About Stone Restoration
Can marble floors be polished and restored?
Yes. Dull, scratched or worn marble floors can often be professionally restored and polished rather than replaced. Tile Cleaning Agents can clean, hone and polish marble to improve its appearance and restore the desired finish. Where appropriate, the marble can also be sealed after restoration to help protect the stone.
What issues can be addressed with stone floor restoration services?
Staining, etching, chip repair, scratches and dullness can be restored through our stone restoration services.
What services are offered for stone floors?
Stone tiles can be cleaned, sanded, polished, loose grout replaced, and uneven tiles can be levelled with our stone floor polishing service machines.
What is your Stone Floor Restoration process?
Our stone floor restoration process involves deep cleaning of stone floors, scratch removal, stain treatment, and crack repair to restore your surfaces to their original beauty.
What are the different types of stone that you restore?
We restore various stone like marble, granite, limestone, slate, travertine for floors, and granite, marble, quartz for countertops. Slate, sandstone, flagstone, quartzite services available.
Can dull limestone floors be restored?
Yes. Limestone floors can often be cleaned and restored to improve their colour and appearance. Depending on the type of limestone and the required finish, restoration may include deep cleaning, honing and sealing. Because limestone is a natural stone, specialist products and techniques should be used.
Can you shine my honed floor?
Yes, high-calcium natural stone like marble can be polished for a high gloss finish. The denser the stone, the higher the shine
Can travertine floors be restored?
Yes. Travertine can often be professionally cleaned, repaired, honed and sealed. Small holes and imperfections may also be repairable depending on the condition of the floor. Professional restoration can substantially improve an older or heavily used travertine floor.
Looking for a cheap floor cleaning quote?
If you want just a clean without any sanding or sealing, please do let us know. This service will be much quicker and we can offer a cheap floor cleaning price to suit your budget.
How do you fill holes in travertine floors?
We fill travertine holes with epoxy resin filler, sanding it down once hardened to blend with the stone surface.
How much does it cost to polish marble floors?
Marble floor polishing cost varies based on tile condition and desired outcome. Deep restoration involves various processes and may take a few days.
Does natural stone need sealing after cleaning?
Many porous natural stones benefit from an appropriate impregnating sealer after professional cleaning or restoration. A sealer can help reduce the absorption of liquids and make ongoing maintenance easier. Whether sealing is required depends on the stone, its location and the existing treatment.
What are the different types of stone floor sealers?
Impregnating sealers offer deep protection from within the stone. Topical sealers are more affordable but tend to wear off the tile sooner.
Some sealants offer warranties up to 10 years.
Can professional tile cleaning damage my floor?
Professional cleaning should begin with identifying the tile or stone and selecting appropriate chemicals, equipment and techniques. Natural materials such as marble and limestone can be damaged by unsuitable acidic products, which is one reason specialist knowledge is important. Tile Cleaning Agents selects the cleaning process according to the particular floor rather than applying one method to every surface.
What is the stone floor sealing process?
Stone floor sealing: Application takes one hour and drying time varies between 1 to 24 hours.
How can I maintain marble shower walls in between professional services?
How to maintain marble shower walls, regularly clean with a pH-neutral product, seal as needed, and promptly address any stains or damage for lasting beauty.
Can natural stone floors be professionally cleaned and sealed?
Yes. Natural stone floors such as limestone, travertine and marble can be professionally cleaned, restored and sealed. Because natural stone can react badly to unsuitable chemicals, it is important to use products and methods appropriate for the particular stone. Tile Cleaning Agents specialises in professional tile and natural-stone care and can recommend the correct treatment for the floor.
Is it cheaper to restore a tiled floor than replace it?
Often, yes. If the existing tiles or natural stone are structurally sound, professional cleaning and restoration can be considerably less disruptive than removing and replacing the entire floor. Restoration can include deep cleaning, stain treatment, polishing and sealing depending on the material and condition. We recommend assessing the existing floor before deciding that replacement is necessary.
Can scratches and dull patches be removed from marble?
Many scratches, dull areas and surface imperfections in marble can be reduced or removed through professional honing and polishing. The appropriate restoration process depends on the depth of the damage and the finish required. Tile Cleaning Agents can assess the marble and recommend whether cleaning, honing, polishing or a combination of treatments will achieve the best result.
How often should natural stone floors be sealed?
There is no single interval that applies to every natural-stone floor. How frequently a floor needs resealing depends on the type of stone, sealer used, amount of foot traffic, cleaning routine and environment. Rather than automatically resealing at a fixed interval, Tile Cleaning Agents can assess whether the existing protection is still effective and recommend resealing when required.
Questions About Floors
Can you help me identify the type of floor in my home?
We can often identify the type of your floor from photos, but modern manufacturing is so perfect that it may be challenging. Testing may be needed to confirm our initial assessment.
How long does professional tile cleaning take?
The time required depends on the size and condition of the floor and the work being carried out. A straightforward deep clean may be completed relatively quickly, while restoration involving stain treatment, honing, polishing, repairs or sealing will take longer. We can provide a clearer timeframe once the floor has been assessed during our quotation phase.
Who cleans large commercial porcelain floors?
Tile Cleaning Agents provides specialist commercial tile and porcelain floor cleaning for businesses, facilities managers, contractors and commercial property clients. We have experience working with large floor areas and can recommend a cleaning or restoration process based on the type of tile, level of contamination and operational requirements of the site.
Can you polish porcelain tiles?
Polishing porcelain tiles with abrasives can be risky; thin vitrified tiles may wear through, exposing uneven layers and causing permanent damage.
Should you seal porcelain tiles?
No, we do not seal porcelain tiles due to sealer adhesion issues on smooth surfaces. Sealing may not adhere well to glossy porcelain tiles.
Can you clean textured or anti-slip porcelain tiles?
Yes. Textured and anti-slip porcelain can be particularly difficult to clean using a conventional mop because dirt becomes trapped within the textured surface. Professional cleaning equipment and suitable cleaning solutions can loosen and extract this contamination more effectively.
What is the best way to clean porcelain tiles?
The best way to clean tiled floors is to use a pH-neutral cleaner that leaves the floor with minimal residue as it dries.
How do I remove cloudy haze from glossy tiles?
To remove cloudy haze from glossy tiles, use a high-speed rotary buffer or a dry microfiber mop to polish off residue before it dries for best results.
Do you replace grout from between tiles?
If your tile is made of stone we can replace the grout for you. If you have manufactured tiles then we can fill the missing gaps, however we do not remove old grout from between these tiles.
Can grout be cleaned without replacing it?
Yes. Dirty or discoloured grout does not necessarily need to be replaced. Professional deep cleaning can remove contamination from grout lines and significantly improve their appearance. If the grout is physically damaged, crumbling or permanently discoloured, additional repair or treatment may be required.
How do you clean grout residue from newly installed tiles?
Cleaning grout haze involves using a grout haze remover or a mixture of water and vinegar to scrub the surface and restore the tiles’ clarity and shine.
Can old floor tiles be made to look new again?
Many older tiled floors can be dramatically improved with professional deep cleaning and restoration. Years of ingrained dirt, cleaning residues and staining can disguise the original appearance of the tiles. The final result depends on the material and its condition, but professional restoration can often transform a floor without the expense and disruption of replacement.
Why should tile and grout be professionally cleaned?
Professional cleaning prevents fading, discoloration, and damage caused by improper cleaning methods.
How often should tile and grout be cleaned professionally?
Factors like dirt traffic and sealing influence the frequency; typically recommended every 2-3 years.
What is tile lippage in a tiled floor?
Lippage is the vertical displacement between adjacent tiles, causing uneven surfaces due to differences in elevation. It can lead to various issues and is regulated by industry standards for acceptable levels.
How can I maintain floors in between professional services?
To maintain floors in between professional floor cleaning services, regularly clean with a pH-neutral product, Seal as needed, and promptly address any stains or damage for lasting beauty.
Who cleans porcelain tiles near Reading?
Tile Cleaning Agents provides professional porcelain tile cleaning in Reading and across Berkshire and surrounding areas. We deep-clean porcelain floors to remove ingrained dirt, residues and staining that normal household cleaning may leave behind. We work on both residential and commercial porcelain floors and can assess the best cleaning method for the particular tile and finish.
Can stained grout be professionally cleaned?
Yes. Professional grout cleaning can remove deeply embedded dirt, grease and staining that ordinary mopping and household cleaners often cannot remove. Tile Cleaning Agents uses specialist cleaning products and professional equipment to deep-clean grout lines while protecting the surrounding tiles. The results depend on the condition and type of grout, but even heavily soiled grout can often be significantly improved.
How much does professional tile cleaning cost?
The cost of professional tile cleaning depends on the type of tile, condition of the floor, size of the area and the level of cleaning or restoration required. A straightforward deep clean will generally cost less than a floor requiring stain removal, polishing, repairs or sealing. Tile Cleaning Agents can provide a quotation after assessing the floor and, in many cases, photographs can help with the initial assessment.
Can badly stained floor tiles be restored?
In many cases, yes. Professional cleaning equipment and specialist products can remove contamination and staining that normal household cleaning cannot. The achievable result depends on the tile material and whether the staining is on the surface or has penetrated into the tile. Tile Cleaning Agents will assess the floor and recommend cleaning, restoration or sealing as appropriate.
Why do my porcelain tiles still look dirty after mopping?
Porcelain floors can gradually develop a build-up of cleaning-product residue, grease and fine dirt, particularly on textured or anti-slip tiles. Regular mopping can sometimes spread this contamination rather than remove it completely. Professional porcelain cleaning uses specialist products and equipment to break down and extract this build-up from the surface and texture of the tile.
If this page hasn’t answered your questions, please do send us an email, send a text, or give us a call.